A process for charging a discharged electrochemical cell includes applying a voltage bias to the discharged electrochemical cell; and illuminating the cathode with a light source.
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2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrode is a cathode.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the cathode comprises LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2, LiMn1/3Co1/3Ni1/3O2, LiMn2O4, LiCr0.5Mn1.5O4, LiCrMnO4, LiFe0.5Mn1.5O4, LiCoMnO4, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, LiMnPO4, or LizMnO3.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein illuminating the electrode comprises illuminating the electrode with an externally powered light source.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the externally powered light source is a broadband white light source.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the externally powered light source is a monochromatic light source.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the externally powered light source is a light emitting diode, a xenon lamp, a laser, or optical fiber.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the externally powered light source is a light emitting diode.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell is a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, or a magnesium ion battery.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein generating Mn4+ in the electrode comprises oxidizing Mn3+ to Mn4+ in the electrode.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, while generating Mn4+, ejecting a cation from the electrode.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising, while generating Mn4+, ejecting Li+ from the electrode.
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May 11, 2023
December 10, 2024
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